Organic Vegetable Gardening Methods for Success!

1. Organic Vegetable Gardening Methods for Success! Fran Scher, Ph.D. UME Master Gardener, Washington County

4. What You Will Learn Today • What “organic” means • Why organic gardening matters • Five steps to building a healthy organic vegetable garden • Ways to take action in your own garden

5. What “Organic” Means • No genetically-engineered crops • No synthetic fertilizers or synthetic pesticides • Use of methods that promote ecological balance Source: Wikimedia commons

6. Why Organic Gardening Matters • Reduces pesticide exposure • Protects biodiversity • Protects the Bay • Encourages recycling • Saves money on groceries

7. Five Steps to Your Organic Garden

8. Build the soil 1

9. Organic Matter is the Key • Improves soil structure and drainage • Increases good microbes and earthworms • Holds, then releases nutrients slowly

10. Sources of Organic Matter • Compost—make it or buy it • Recycle food scraps, grass, paper, and leaves • LeafGro brand is locally made • Composted manure • Organic mulches

11. Is Your Soil Healthy? • Crumbly loam • Optimum pH of 6.0-6.8 • Organic matter ≥ 4% Not sure? Test your soil! U. MD Extension can help.

12. Right plant, right place and time 2

13. Choose the Right Plants and Seed • Healthy seedlings • Seeds: • open-pollinated, heirloom • hybrid • organic

14. Plant in the Right Place • Containers, in-ground or raised beds • Six hours of sun • Access to water • Protected from critters

15. Plant at the Right Time • HGIC Planting Calendar

16. Fertilize wisely 3

17. Three Main Plant Nutrients • N = Nitrogen • Leaves • P = Phosphorus • Roots, flowers, fruits • K = Potassium • Overall health and disease resistance Example: All-purpose organic fertilizer (Garden Tone) N-P-K: 3-4-4

18. Why Organic Fertilizers? • May supply a wide range of nutrients • Usually provide nutrients slowly • Some are supplemented with beneficial microbes

19. Manage problems organically 4

20. Destroy Egg Masses of Bad Bugs Colorado Potato Beetle Squash Bug Stink Bug

21. Exclude Pests with Row Cover

22. Recognize and Keep Good Bugs Lady Bird Beetle adult and larva Lacewing Assassin Bug

23. Plant Companions Many flowers attract and feed beneficial insects: • Dill and parsley • Mint, thyme, sage, basil • Zinnias, marigold, daisies • Salvia and nasturtiums

24. Organic Insecticides • Made from natural products • Safer for the environment • Examples: • Pyrethrins • Biological controls (Bt) • Insecticidal Soaps • Kaolin clay (Surround)

25. Suppress Weeds • Mulch to suppress weeds. • Space plants to shade out weeds. • Pull or hoe weeds. • Plant cover crops in open areas.

26. Manage Diseases • Choose resistant varieties. • Remove and destroy diseased plants. • Trim plants to let air in. • Rotate crops.

27. Observe and care for your garden 5

28. Walk in Your Garden • Observe. • Manage weeds. • Destroy bad bugs. • Fertilize if needed. • Succession plant. • Keep a log.

29. Water Wisely • Water in morning, if possible; not in the evening. • Water the soil, not the leaves. • Water deeply, less often. • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.

30. As the Season Ends… • Remove plant debris. • Mulch bare soil. • Plant crops like garlic and shallots. • Plant cover crops. Buckwheat Peas and oats

31. Five Steps to Your Organic Garden 1. Build the soil 2. Right plant, right place and time 3. Fertilize wisely 4. Manage problems organically 5. Observe and care for your garden

32. Enjoy your organic garden! Questions?

33. Resources extension.umd.edu/hgic extension.umd.edu/learn/ask-gardening marylandgrows.umd.edu extension.umd.edu/mg • Take a food gardening class • Find local community gardens • Learn about youth/school gardens extension.umd.edu/growit

34. This program was brought to you by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program Washington County